Michigan's Adventure to get new coaster

MUSKEGON, Mich., Oct. 2 (UPI) -- Michigan's Adventure Amusement Park has announced plans to build the first suspended, looping roller coaster in the state.

Called "Thunderhawk," the new steel coaster will climb 105 feet in the air with an exhilarating 86-foot drop, winding course, five inversions and a top speed of 50 mph for a ride that lasts 2 minutes and 15 seconds.

The thrill ride is slated to open in the spring of 2008 and will be the seventh at Michigan's Adventure.

"Thunderhawk will bring a new dimension of thrills to the park," Camille Jourden-Mark, the vice president and general manager, said in a statement. "It will be an exciting ride that twists, turns and flips. A suspended coaster that loops will be an instant favorite with our guests."

The ride was designed and manufactured by Vekoma International B.V., Vlodrop in the Netherlands.